The Wired Group aspires to improve citizens' quality of life and support economic development by identifying, and reducing or eliminating, for-profit monopoly utility spending that may be premature, unnecessary, inappropriate, or cost-ineffective.
Drawing on expertise in utility infrastructure operations, planning, investment, and performance, and in for-profit monopoly utility regulation and ratemaking, the Wired Group exists to help consumer, business, and environmental advocates reduce the cost and improve the performance of services provided by for-profit electric, gas, and water utilities.
The Wired Group is fiercely independent and resolutely objective. Our only goal is to help our clients reduce the cost and improve the performance of investor-owned electric, gas, and water utilities. Neither the Wired Group nor any Associate maintains relationships with investor-owned utilities, their consultants, or their suppliers, nor do the Wired Group or Associates offer any services that might bias our advice and counsel.
President
After decades with Fortune 500 firms, including electric and gas utility Xcel Energy, Paul Alvarez formed the Wired Group in 2012. He has since testified on behalf of consumer, business, and environmental advocates in scores of utility regulatory proceedings in 21 states. He holds a business administration degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree in management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School.
Senior Technical Electric Consultant
Dennis Stephens joined Wired Group in 2016 after 35 years at Xcel Energy. In roles of progressive responsibility in electric distribution operations, planning, asset management, and performance improvement, his career included leading parts of Xcel Energy’s SmartGridCity demonstration project and other innovative information and operational technology initiatives. As a Wired Group Associate, Dennis has testified on behalf of consumer, business, and environmental advocates in dozens of proceedings in 13 states. After an honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Mr. Stephens received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri.
Electric Transmission and Distribution Practice Lead
Dave Shapley’s career includes decades of electric distribution planning, investment, and operations for both investor-owned and non-profit utilities. In roles of progressive responsibility at Pepco and Delaware Electric Cooperative, Mr. Shapley learned how to optimize human and technical resources for the greatest benefit at the least cost. He holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Widener University.
Gas Distribution Practice Lead
Nick Onyszczak's career includes decades of experience in natural gas distribution infrastructure, operations, and performance management for both investor-owned and municipal (non-profit) utilities, and joined the Wired Group in 2025. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics and political science from the University of Toledo and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in economics with a concentration in utility regulation at New Mexico State University.
Electric Utility Customer Program Design Lead
Andre Gouin specializes in the design and operation of customer-facing utility programs. During more than 25 years at Xcel Energy, he developed demand-side management, clean transportation, and energy storage incentive programs and partnerships. His experience includes energy efficiency, demand response, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and battery storage. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Northern Arizona University.
Water/Wastewater Practice Lead
Sid Lockhart is a civil engineer with more than 30 years of experience working for non-profit water and wastewater companies in construction, maintenance, operations, and design. He has planned, procured, and managed large projects involving water-main upgrades, pumping stations, wastewater treatment, and sewer rehabilitation, and joined the Wired Group in 2025. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and licenses to serve as a Professional Engineer and Master Plumber in Michigan.
Regulation and Ratemaking Practice Lead
Jim Busch brings decades of practical experience in utility economics, regulation, and ratemaking to the Wired Group. His career includes service as Director of the Missouri Public Service Commission’s Industry Analysis Division, regulatory management of water and sewer utilities, and work with Missouri’s Office of Public Counsel. He joined the Wired Group in 2026. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.